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Photo of Allan C. Halpern, M.D.

Allan C. Halpern, M.D.

DERMATOLOGY

Allan C. Halpern, M.D. is a board-certified internist and dermatologist with special expertise in skin cancer — especially melanoma. Much of his clinical career has focused on the early detection and management of melanoma in high-risk individuals. To improve the early detection of melanoma, he has pioneered the use of whole-body photography to assist in the detection of changing moles in patients with dysplastic nevi (large, irregular colored or shaped moles). They have established a fully computerized digital imaging system at Memorial Sloan Kettering to monitor moles in patients who have dysplastic nevi or a personal history of melanoma. The program creates a baseline digital photographic record of the patient’s moles. When the patient returns for follow-up appointments, new and changing moles can be identified, enabling subtle melanomas to be recognized at a stage when they are easily cured. The system also reduces the need to excise stable moles and moles erroneously perceived by the patient to have changed. Dr. Allan C. Halpern research efforts are focused on epidemiologic (population-based) studies of risk factors for developing melanoma and strategies for the prevention and early detection of this disease. Part of this research is an ongoing study of the genetic and environmental factors that influence the development of moles in children and adolescents. Another exciting area of research involves the development of novel optical imaging techniques for the non-invasive diagnosis and management of skin cancer. These techniques include the use of automated computerized image analysis and non-invasive subsurface microscopy. These technologies are currently being developed in a research setting and are not yet available for clinical care. In addition to his role as Chief of the Dermatology Service, Co-Leader of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center’s Melanoma Disease Management Team, which incorporates the expertise of doctors in surgery, medical oncology, clinical immunology, dermatology, pathology, and radiation oncology to diagnose and treat melanoma.

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12/2022

Interview with Dr. Allan C. Halpern, MD

JUMP TO SECTION

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01

(0:04 - 1:25)

Introduction

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02

(1:25 - 6:06)

The use of total body photography. Dysplastic nevi- the funky mole. How to detect melanoma early while avoiding unnecessary biopsies?

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03

(6:06 - 10:54)

What are the unique advantages of using 3D total body photography?

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04

(10:55 - 19:43)

Application of AI in diagnosing melanoma. What does it take to develop AI algorithms? How good are the current AI algorithms in diagnosing melanoma? What are the limitations? 

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05

(19:44 - 25:42)

Management of lentigo maligna. Dr. Halpern explains the different types of melanoma and some of his overarching principles in treating patients with melanoma.

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06

(25:43 - 31:04)

Development of nevi in kids. What are the risks of developing melanoma? The interaction between genetics and environment.  Check out the Risk Calculator from the Melanoma Institute of Australia. You can get melanomas on parts of the body that do not get sun exposure. >90% of melanoma are preventable with sun protection. 

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07

(31:04 - 37:22)

How should we screen melanomas for Asian, African American, and Hispanic patient populations? Hear Dr. Halpern’s insightful and surprising answer.

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08

(37:22 - 37:41)

Conclusion

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